Electrical Engineer

Sr. Power Plant Electrical EngineerJoin a Fortune 500 Energy Client as a Senior Electrical Engineer (Power Plant) in Houston, TX. This contract-to-hire position is part of the Engineering & Technical Services department within Operations and reports to the Electrical Engineering Manager. You will provide subject matter expertise in the design, maintenance, repair, and operation of a diverse power generation fleet—including fossil fuel, peaking, wind, solar, and utility-scale battery systems. The role requires approximately 50% travel to generation and support facilities, and vendor sites. You will lead testing and maintenance of protective electrical systems, develop and implement test plans, collaborate with cross-functional teams, ensure compliance with safety and industry standards, and provide technical support and training to junior staff. This is a hands-on role requiring a strong background in electrical theory, power plant design, and high-voltage equipment, as well as excellent problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, diverse environment and is committed to safety and quality.Responsibilities include:Provide technical leadership during testing and maintenance of protective electrical systems in substations and power plantsDevelop and implement test plans and procedures for electrical systemsCollaborate with corporate engineering, plant personnel, regional utility engineers, and contracted engineering firms on the design, implementation, and commissioning of complex electrical projectsEnsure compliance with industry standards and safety regulations, including the use of appropriate PPE, fall protection, and arc flash clothingOffer technical support and training to junior technicians and staffRead, interpret, create, and revise power plant drawings, schematics, and diagramsProvide technical guidance in multi-year outage forecasting, maintenance and upgrade prioritization, and budgetary developmentDeliver around-the-clock emergency support as needed, including video/teleconferencing and emergency travel throughout the USApply expertise in electrical theory and equipment such as generators, switchgear, excitation equipment, protective relays, breakers, and transformersSafely work with energized high-voltage equipment and ensure adherence to safety protocolsUtilize strong problem-solving and analytical skills to address technical challenges with attention to detail and a commitment to safetyCommunicate effectively and work independently as well as collaboratively within teamsSupport outage forecasting, maintenance prioritization, and budget developmentPerform all other duties as assigned by managementQualifications include:Bachelor of Science in a relevant engineering disciplineMinimum 5 years of experience in power generation or a related industryExtensive knowledge of electrical theory, power plant design, and high-voltage equipmentExperience with testing, maintenance, and operation of protective electrical systemsAbility to read, interpret, create, and revise power plant drawings and schematicsStrong commitment to safety and compliance with industry standardsDemonstrated project management, leadership, influence, and communication skillsProficiency with Microsoft Office and technical presentation skills; confidence speaking in front of groupsGood writing skills and desire to work in a diverse, fast-paced environmentWillingness to travel up to 50% and provide emergency support as neededAbility to work in office, plant, and field environments—including harsh, dirty, and loud conditions, sometimes in extreme weather and for extended hoursPhysical ability to walk, stand, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs; ability to use keyboard and computer for long intervalsPreferred: Postgraduate degree in Engineering or related fieldPreferred: 10+ years of advanced experience in power generation and relay protection workPreferred: Successful completion of applicable trade school or military trainingPreferred: Intimate knowledge of SEL, Basler, GE, and Siemens relay protection equipmentPreferred: Experience using ETAP for arc flash, load flow, and coordination studiesWhat's in it for you:Opportunity to work with a Fortune 500 energy leader on a diverse and innovative power generation fleetContract-to-hire pathway with competitive hourly pay and strong conversion salaryChallenging, hands-on engineering work with significant responsibility and impactCollaborative, safety-focused, and supportive team environmentProfessional growth and development opportunities